The European Parliament has taken a significant step towards reducing waste by introducing new packaging regulations. These rules aim to make packaging more sustainable, cut down on overall waste, and foster a circular economy within the EU.
Reduce Waste, Embrace Responsibility
Currently, the average European disposes of nearly 189 kilograms of packaging waste annually, and this figure is expected to rise without implementing any new rules. The new regulations set ambitious targets to reverse this trend. By 2030, packaging waste must decrease by 5%, with further reductions of 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040.
The E-commerce Challenge: Reducing Plastic Waste
The European Union is particularly focused on reducing plastic packaging waste. By 2030, certain single-use plastic packaging, including containers for fresh produce, individual portion packets, and miniature toiletries in hotels, will be completely banned.
E-commerce companies are also required to reduce their environmental footprint. The regulations limit the amount of empty space in packaging for shipping and online orders. Additionally, manufacturers and importers must ensure that packaging is minimized in terms of weight and volume.
Reusable & Recyclable Choices Available
The new rules promote the reuse of packaging, with specific targets set for 2030. EU member states will have some flexibility in meeting these targets for a limited time. Moreover, all packaging, with a few exceptions, must meet strict criteria to be considered recyclable.
What Lies Ahead
Although the European Parliament has approved these regulations, they still need formal adoption by the Council before becoming law. Afterward, each EU nation must incorporate these rules into their national legislations.
Despite these regulatory hurdles, some companies are already taking action. For instance, Amazon has started using exclusively recyclable packaging for its deliveries across Europe. These new regulations, along with proactive measures from businesses, represent a significant move towards a more sustainable future for packaging in the EU.